Master Beadworks by Rachel Nelson-Smith

photo credit: Jeffrey Jay Luhn

Rachel Nelson-Smith, author of Seed Bead Fusion, is a master beadweaver whose work is infused with her unique combination of fabrication techniques. With a wealth of knowledge and fearless adventure, needle and tools shape bold and vibrant works alive with enormous energy and dynamism. Finding inspiration in surrounding nature, pure color, and beads themselves, Rachel creates pieces reflecting the world she sees around her.

Coloring outside the lines, an approach based in freedom allows her to extemporaneously express thoughts as they happen--with wide use of color and energy, physical manifestations are created in beads and wire.

Examples of her dynamic finished work have appeared in Masters: Beadweaving (Carol Wilcox Wells, 2008, Lark Books) where she was featured along with other modern beadweaving masters in 2008 as well as seven projects in Kate Shoup Welsh’s Not Your Mama’s Beading (2006, Wiley Publishing) and instructional jewelry-making books by Marcia DeCoster (2009) and Sharilyn Miller (2009). Rachel’s Seed Bead Fusion: 18 Projects to Stitch, Wire & String (Interweave Press) will release in September 2009.

Rachel works a dual focus of pushing the boundaries of improvisational beadweaving combinations and wire techniques and to amaze the viewer. Since 1996, Rachel has offered basic to advanced classes in the California Bay Area for the South Bay Bead Art Guild, bead stores, park & recreation programs, and privately. Since 2005, her designs have been offered at national bead shows like Bead & Button and Puget Sound Bead Festival and around the US in bead stores and for bead societies. She hopes to teach in Japan and Europe and write a series of books.

Residing in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA with husband Colin, Rachel endeavors to spread peace and inspiration through her peerless achievements.

Information

Contact

831-427-1227 studio line

studio visits by appointment

Mailing/Shipping

PO Box 8331

Santa Cruz, CA 95061-8331